Kirsty (70) goes the distance for charity
Runner’s impressive half marathon effort close to home
A Perthshire cancer survivor has been putting in the miles to raise thousands of pounds for a charity close to her heart.
Kirsty Pilcher (70), from Longforgan, was due to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon last month for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The coronavirus pandemic resulted in the postponement of the event but Kirsty remained determined to take on the 13.1mile test closer to home.
The mother-of-four, who also has eight grandchildren and is a regular supporter of Macmillan, has managed to raise an impressive £5000.
“This is the furthest I have ever run,” Kirsty said after completing the endurance challenge.
“I was all geared up to do the actual race so I just decided to get on with it – I couldn’t admit defeat.
“I mapped out a circular route in the area that wouldn’t take me too far from home and I finished it in two hours and 38 minutes, so I’m quite pleased with that.
“Edinburgh was to be my first ever half-marathon and I still intend to run it, hopefully it will still go ahead.
“I run early every morning so I always keep myself fit and stick to running the local area of Longforgan.
“Quite a few people have been giving me a wave and encouraging when I’m out and about – it’s really lovely.”
A cancer survivor for 30 years, Kirsty was diagnosed with breast cancer before her 40th birthday.
She said: “I really was young at the time. I think I was a bit of a guinea pig back then.
“I had my reconstruction and my mastectomy at the same time – I don’t think that was common and quite new.
“I attended Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and they were really fantastic at looking after me. At all my appointments they were desperate to see how I was progressing. I like to think it helped with research.
“I feel like after 30 years I can celebrate surviving now. You never want to jinx anything but this feels like the right time.
“I’m not sure I thought I’d be celebrating running a half-marathon at 70, but I’d recommend to anyone to get out and run.
“I’m really glad I did it, especially if it helps raise funds for Macmillan at a time when they need help from all their supporters.”
Angela McCormack, area fundraising manager in Scotland for Macmillan Cancer Support, thanked Kirsty for her fundraising efforts.
“I really applaud Kirsty’s effort in still going ahead and running her half marathon near her home,” Angela said.
“It’s great to hear that’s the furthest she’s ever run, a fantastic achievement.
“I want to thank her for raising funds for Macmillan during this time when our fundraising has taken a considerable dip as a result of the coronavirus.
“It’s very inspiring and hopefully by doing this it has prepared her for the half marathon in September.
“She will certainly have plenty of time to rest for the main event. Thanks very much Kirsty.”
To donate to Kirsty’s Just Giving page, visit: https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ kirstypilcher
I couldn’t admit defeat